Transient Attacks Police Officer, 1400 block E. Ocean. Blvd.

LBPD Public Information Officer Nancy Pratt says the assault took place at roughly 12:10 p.m. when an officer patrolling in the area attempted to make contact with a man who was allegedly picking through recycling bins in an alley.

When the man refused to comply with the officer's orders, she called for backup...and the man then allegedly without warning physically attacked her.

[LBPD text] The officer attempted to use her baton in self-defense, however, the suspect was able to grab a hold of the baton using it to strike her. He assaulted the officer with both the baton and his hands, and as the assault progressed, a struggle ensued over the officer’s gun.

A member of the community who was witnessing the incident called 9-1-1 to report the attack on the officer.

Assisting officers arrived and were able to restrain the suspect and take him into custody.

The officer, who has 14 years with the Department, was transported to a local hospital where she was evaluated and treated for moderate injuries sustained during the assault and later released

The suspect was also transported to a local hospital where he was evaluated for minor injuries.

The suspect is identified as 38-year-old Michael Bangerter, a transient. On Thursday (Jan. 19), the L.A. County District Attorney's office filed (1) count of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer (felony), and (1) count of obstruction (felony) against the suspect